The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

So said Dr. Seuss, and at first glance it seems to be very true, and something that we all should live by. Certainly, it's a saying that I believe everyone should feel comfortable living their lives by ... everyone except for me, that is. I don't think I'll ever be brave enough to be myself around most people, and most especially those that matter the most - the very people Dr. Seuss reckons wouldn't mind.

I almost feel like two different people, in that I have very strong feelings and opinions, yet I am usually too worried about the way people will react to them to actually make them known. For example, one of my friends came into work yesterday proudly brandishing five fox pelts that she had bought at the boot sale, and which are destined to become part of her bonfire costume this year. I am pasionately anti-hunting and anti-fur, and yet instead of expressing my disgust when she was so proud of having got them for a bargain price, all I could find to say was "cool ... " How pathetic that I'm so afraid of offending or arguing with someone that I'm willing to hide my beliefs like that.

It seems to me that there's the opinionated, rebellious, strong-minded me, who *I* know exists, and then there's the quiet, weak-willed me, who cares far too much about what others think about me, and is always afraid to rock the boat, or break the rules, and that's the person who others see. That's not the real me though ... but the question is, can *that* me ever come out and live, rather than being kept hidden away?

I often wonder why the way others think of us matters so much? What is it about the thought of losing a friend or family member's respect or friendship that is so utterly terrifying? And is the thought of getting a negative reaction to our own thoughts, beliefs, or lifestyle really worth hiding the real 'us' from the outside world for? I don't know, but I'll let you know if I ever figure it out.